Questions & Answers about O rapaz é bonito, mas hoje está triste.
Why do we use é in the first half but está in the second half?
This shows the classic difference between the two verbs for "to be". We use é (from the verb ser) for permanent traits or characteristics, like being physically handsome. We use está (from the verb estar) for temporary states, conditions, or emotions, like being sad. The word hoje (today) is a big hint that the sadness is temporary!
Could I say o rapaz está bonito instead?
Why doesn't the word for sad match rapaz by ending in "o" (like bonito)?
Most adjectives, like bonito, change their ending to match the gender of the noun (bonito for masculine, bonita for feminine). However, triste belongs to a group of adjectives that naturally end in "e". These are gender-neutral, meaning they stay exactly the same for both masculine and feminine nouns.
Where is the word for "he" before está triste?
In Portuguese, it is very common to drop subject pronouns like ele (he) when it's already clear who is doing the action. Since we just established we are talking about o rapaz in the first part of the sentence, we don't need to repeat it or say "he" in the second part.